William Gallas says Saka needs trophies to match Mbappe and Vinicius level

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka may have dazzled in the Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid, but former Gunners defender William Gallas insists the England star is still a step below global superstars Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

Gallas: Saka Must Win Big to Be Compared with Mbappe and Vinicius Junior

Saka, 23, made a stunning return from injury in the first-leg at the Emirates, tormenting the Real Madrid defence with his trademark flair and direct play down the right flank.

Despite missing more than three months of action, he showed no signs of rust as Arsenal romped to a shock 3-0 victory, putting them in a commanding position heading into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

But while Saka’s performance earned praise across Europe, Gallas offered a more measured take.

Speaking to Slingo, the ex-France international said, “Saka had a great performance after his long injury, but I don’t think he’s on the same level as Vinicius Junior or Kylian Mbappe yet.”

He added, “He has the potential, but English people tend to get too excited about their players.

Saka needs to become a champion, to win trophies like the Champions League or the World Cup, to really be in that top bracket.”

Gallas emphasized that consistency and silverware are the benchmarks. “I need to see Saka perform like this for a full season. Vinicius and Mbappe have already done it on the biggest stages.”

Despite the criticism, Saka remains one of the brightest young talents in world football and is widely tipped to be a future Ballon d’Or contender.

His return could prove crucial as Arsenal eye a historic European triumph, with a potential semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain awaiting if they see off Madrid.

Gallas also had a word of caution for Arsenal fans ahead of the second leg. “The Bernabéu is different. If any team can turn around a 3-0 deficit, it’s Real Madrid.”

Still, Saka and Arsenal will be eager to silence any lingering doubts—on the pitch, where it matters most.